For Planners

Thank you for considering bringing The OPA! Way® into your organization.  We understand the challenges in planning conferences and meetings, so we want to make it as smooth as possible for you.  Also, in order to meet your needs, we will work with you to customize the program so that, together, we can deliver an inspirational, meaningful, and practical program.
 
In this section, we have provided speech descriptions, photos, short biographies, draft introductions, and program requirements.  Please contact us for availability, further information, or to answer any specific questions you may have by email: info@theopaway.com or call directly: (505) 988 5881.

Please refer to the Speeches or Workshops sections of our website for detailed descriptions of our programs.  Please also note that although our keynote speeches are typically one hour in length, they can all be extended to a 2 or 3 hour interactive session.

Photos and Biographies

Digital Photos:

(right click on the photo to copy for your program guide and promotional uses)

Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.

Elaine Dundon, Ph.D.

Short Biographies:

(Please see the In the Media! section of this website for longer biographies)

Alex Pattakos, Ph.D. “ALEKO”

Alex Pattakos, Ph.D., is a “Modern-Day Greek Philosopher,” internationally-recognized leader of the "Meaning Movement," and co-founder of The OPA! Way®, a new approach to Living & Working with Meaning that is uniquely inspired by Greek philosophy and culture. A very proud Greek American (of Cretan heritage), Alex believes passionately and authentically that each of us can find deeper meaning in our lives, each day, every day.  Alex is the author of the international best-selling book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, which is available in 20 languages, including Greek, and numerous formats.  A U.S. Army veteran, he is also a former therapist and mental health administrator, political campaign organizer, and full-time professor of public and business administration.  As a pioneer in the personal growth area, Alex has worked globally to help individuals and organizations develop their full potential.  His unique approach is both inspirational and practical.  He is currently writing (with Dr. Elaine Dundon) a new book on The OPA! Way® and continues to explore his Greek heritage.

Elaine Dundon, Ph.D. “ELENI”

Elaine Dundon, Ph.D., is CEO of The OPA! Way®, a new approach to Living & Working with Meaning that is uniquely inspired by Greek philosophy and culture. Following her MBA, Elaine spent 15 years in business strategy and marketing, including brand management at Procter & Gamble. She founded The Innovation Group Consulting Inc. in 1995 and focused on consulting, teaching, and speaking in the area of Innovation Management. In addition to teaching the first-of-its-kind, integrated course on Innovation Management at the University of Toronto, Elaine authored an international best-selling book, The Seeds of Innovation. She also advised some of the world's leading organizations on how to inspire employee-driven innovation as well as build a new model of leadership and organizational culture based on Innovation and Meaning. In support of her continuing journey, Elaine studied Greek Philosophy, Mind/Body Medicine, and Metaphysics, earning a Ph.D. degree in this area.  Now as a keynote speaker, seminar leader, and organizational consultant, Elaine is dedicated to helping individuals live and work with Meaning. She is currently writing (with Dr. Alex Pattakos) a new book on The OPA! Way®.

Draft Short Introductions

Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
Let me introduce today’s speaker.  Dr. Alex Pattakos (pronounced like "Pa Tacos") is a “Modern-Day Greek Philosopher” and internationally-recognized leader of the "Meaning Movement," who is authentically focused on bringing Meaning to everyday life, work, and the workplace. A very proud Greek American (of Cretan heritage), he is a co-founder of The OPA! Way®, a new approach to Living & Working with Meaning that is uniquely inspired by Greek philosophy and culture. Alex believes passionately that each of us can find deeper meaning in our lives, each day, every day. Among his many publications, he is the author of the international best-selling book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, which is available in 20 languages, including Greek, and numerous formats. A U.S. Army veteran, Alex is also a former therapist and mental health administrator, political campaign organizer and full-time professor of public and business administration. As a pioneer in the personal growth area, Alex has worked globally to help individuals and organizations develop their full potential. He is currently writing (with Dr. Elaine Dundon) a new book on The OPA! Way® and continues to explore his Greek heritage. Today we’ve invited Alex (Aleko in Greek) to share his thoughts and techniques on how we all can Live & Work with Meaning—The OPA! Way®. I know you will find his unique approach to be both inspirational and practical. Please welcome Dr. Alex Pattakos, Aleko...

Elaine Dundon, Ph.D.

Let me introduce today’s speaker.  Dr. Elaine Dundon (pronounced like "Done Done") is CEO of The OPA! Way®, a new approach to Living & Working with Meaning that is uniquely inspired by Greek philosophy and culture. Following her MBA, Elaine spent 15 years in business strategy and marketing, including brand management at Procter & Gamble. She founded The Innovation Group Consulting Inc. in 1995 and focused on consulting, teaching, and speaking in the area of Innovation Management. In addition to teaching the first-of-its-kind, integrated course on Innovation Management at the University of Toronto, Elaine authored an international best-selling book, The Seeds of Innovation. She also advised some of the world's leading organizations on how to inspire employee-driven innovation as well as build a new model of leadership and organizational culture based on Innovation and Meaning. In support of her continuing journey, Elaine studied Greek Philosophy, Mind/Body Medicine, and Metaphysics, earning a Ph.D. degree in this area. Now as a keynote speaker, seminar leader, and organizational consultant, Elaine is dedicated to helping individuals live and work with Meaning, as well as helping all leaders to inspire meaningful innovation and engagement as they transform their organizations into "OPA! Organizations." Today we've invited Elaine (Eleni in Greek) to share her thoughts on how we can all Live & Work with Meaning—The OPA! Way®. I know that you will find her approach both inspirational and practical. Please welcome Dr. Elaine Dundon, Eleni...

Program Requirements

As the requirements for each program are unique, we welcome the opportunity to discuss these general guidelines with you.   Here is a list of items for our discussion:

1) Room Setup: no podium is required or preferred.  Audience set up (round tables, theatre style, etc..) to be discussed.

2) Microphone: We prefer a lavalier or cordless lapel microphone so that we are not tied to one spot or the podium (and can have both arms/hands free!).  This approach helps us walk around the stage or front of/around the room, during the program and deliver a more engaging and inspirational program.

3) AV equipment: Please supply a LCD projector and large screen.  We will supply our own laptops/remote cordless mouse.

4) Lighting: please adjust the lights so that the audience can see both the speaker and the screen(s).

4) If possible, please provide a small table at the front of the room or on stage.

5) Please provide water in a glass on the small table.

6) Book signing prior to or following the program: to be discussed.

7) Airfare: From Santa Fe, NM (SFA), or Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ).

8) Learning Resources: To be discussed.  Learning Resources can be used to reinforce the key messages and facilitate continuous learning.

We look forward to bringing The OPA! Way® into your organization or association.  OPA!

The OPA! Way®: Living & Working with Meaning! OPA!